SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION IN PATIENTS WITH COLOSTOMY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Colostomy is a life-altering surgical intervention that profoundly affects patients’ physical integrity, emotional balance, and social participation. Beyond clinical recovery, individuals with colostomy frequently face psychological distress, altered body image, and social withdrawal. Consequently, social and psychological adaptation has become a core outcome in contemporary stoma care. This systematic review aims to synthesize recent scientific evidence regarding social and psychological adaptation in patients with colostomy, with a particular focus on clinical determinants, nursing interventions, and medical psychology approaches. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between January 2020 and December 2024. Inclusion criteria targeted peer-reviewed studies involving adult patients with colostomy and reporting outcomes related to psychosocial adaptation, quality of life, or supportive interventions. A total of 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that psychological adaptation is strongly influenced by clinical stability, self-care competence, structured nursing education, and access to psychological support. Nursing-led educational programs and psychological interventions were consistently associated with reduced emotional distress, improved self-efficacy, and enhanced social reintegration. Conclusions: Social and psychological adaptation in patients with colostomy is a multidimensional and dynamic process. Integrated interdisciplinary care combining clinical management, nursing support, and psychological interventions significantly improves long-term outcomes and quality of life.